We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

Throwing Away Fruit and Veggie Peels Is Like Throwing Out Key Nutrients

Step away from the peeler, or you’ll be tossing out a lot of valuable nutrients.

By Avery Hurt; Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Talha Azam
May 8, 2024 6:00 PM
vegetable peels
(Credit: Ruslan Galiullin/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

If you’re a lazy cook, this will probably come as good news: Not only do you not have to peel most fruits and vegetables before you cook or eat them, you shouldn’t peel most of them.

Several studies over the years have found that the peels of fruits and vegetables contain lots of nutrients.

“Peelings are excellent, excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin C, vitamin K, and the B vitamins,” says Amy Bragagnini, board-certified oncology nutrition specialist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Plant Nutrients Keep You Healthy

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.